A blog about the Big Four of the English Premier League

Oh Eduardo!

I must confess the first I ever heard of you was when the official site intimated me that you were the latest member to be inducted into the Arsenal family. I mean, honestly, the goal you scored for Dinamo Zagreb against us was no more than a minor irritant in what was a comprehensive mauling over two legs.

You had a lot going against you really. You were a strange species; Brazilian born Croat; indicating you didn’t really make the cut in your home country and had to relocate to the relatively less glamorous Croatian league to make something of yourself. You were coming in, in place of arguably the greatest man to have ever worn the cannon on his chest; Thierry Henry. And psychologically, the most damning point against you was the fact that you were given the No. 9 jersey; which had been worn by succession of high profile flops including your ‘fellow international’ Suker and most recently Julio Baptista. Your were described as a ‘poacher’ and the word poacher brought to mind visions of a hunter slinging a deer carcass across his shoulder or worse for an Arsenal fan, the image of van Nistelrooy.

You really showed us you were someone to be excited about when you thumped one in against Sheffield and almost singlehandedly led a 10 man Arsenal to victory over evil Blackburn with a fantastic brace. Still there were doubters who said Hey! It’s just the bloody Carling Cup. I decided to reserve my judgment then. Thank god I did because you then exploded onto the scene. I still get wet thinking about your brace at Everton and your 72nd second goal against West Ham. The bottom line was, Dudu in the box, ball at his feet = Goal! We wouldn’t have traded you in for Eto’o or Rooney, the way you were playing.

I can only imagine how horrific that injury must have been. Feet are not meant to be hanging off the leg at such unnatural angles. I cried my heart out and felt your pain. Not a day goes by that I don’t curse Martin Taylor with the vilest of abuse and I do not stand for his name to be mentioned in my presence. You experienced one year of hell with your future and career uncertain. Still, you fought on and you were aided by the prayers and goodwill of millions including me.

I cannot describe the euphoria I felt when your name was announced in the starting XI against Cardiff. I screamed your name out loud as if I was at the Grove (much to the consternation of my sleeping mother I must add). Just the fact that you were back would’ve been sufficient but you made it ever so special with another brace. All my fears, I thought, were in vain. He’s the same Dudu! Sadly the long succession of niggles that have so plagued you this season started then. A pull here, a tear there meant you never played 100% match fit. It was always a comeback of sorts. Still there have been those little moments of magic; that outside-of-the-foot goal against Burnley and that winner against West Ham amongst others.

By your own admission you’ve had a disappointing year. I still remember that horror show against the Spuds when you had a hat trick of 1 on 1 misses. And now that Chamakh is certainly on his way in, it does look like you’re no longer ‘indispensible’. Too many Arsenal fans are of the opinion that you’ve outlived your usefulness.

Not me. You still are one of my favorites in the current team. I KNOW you have so much more to contribute to the fortunes of this side. The boss has gone on record to state that you are a part of his plans. Yes, you won’t get too many opportunities with the wealth of forwards that we possess (assuming they all stay fit). When you do, however, you have GOT to grab them with both hands and start being prolific, fox in the box Dudu again.

There is an easier way out for you no doubt. You could go back to Vasco da Gama which is something you’ve gone on record to say you want to do before you retire. However, think of the time and money Arsenal have invested in you. Think of the fans who’ve been with you through thick and thin. Think of me, someone who is always disappointed not to see you play. This is but another challenge Dudu. Put your head down, work for it and repay the trust and love the boss and all us fans have for you.

Here’s to you dedicating the 30 goals you’re (hopefully) going to score next season to BigFourZa and me.

Cheers,

Maddy

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18 Responses

Well Eduardo I don`t exactly get wet at the sound of your name but I am expecting something of both you and Vela next season. Both very talented and will have a variety of support. Here`s to next season and pop in a few for Maddy.

I’m completely behind this article and the sentiment it carries. He’s only just come back reletively speaking and Wenger himself said “don’t expect him to come back and start from where he left off”. Diaby had an horrific injury and it’s taken HIM 3 seasons to start showing some kind of form. Eduardo NEEDS to make this next season count and if he can do that it will mean that we will be somewhere near the top of the league, if not, leaders for an in form Eduardo means if he’s in the box with the ball there’s only one outcome and that is to see the back of the net rippling. What short memories we have sometimes when i hear fellow gooners talk about how crap he is now. Let him get the niggles out of the way, let him sort his head out and let US bask in the glory of a prolific season from the diminutive cro-zillian……..

I love Eduardo aswell but I love Arsenal FC more thn anything else. I think Eduardo deserves another season to prove he got something to offer back to me, you and the whole Arsenal Team & Fans. I hope he can get back to his very best next season if NOT for the sake of Arsenal FC and him – he has to move on to another League where he can be more effective. Maybe his hometown.

I must admit am one of those who talked crap but deep down i like Dudu and as the post says we need to back him and he need another season I know the injuries will come and he will get his chance one goal that i can’t forget was against Man city and with his back behind the goal he juggled the ball and a goal it was great stuff Dudu stay

for me the volley with the outside of his boot(heel infact!!!) remains the best goal ever. his change of pace to beat the man and quick turns are still intact, he just needs to get back the confidence.

I saw a very good analysis of the Stoke game this season when he beat the offside trap and got through. But just when he was about to pull the trigger, he hesitated and instead of putting his foot through the ball just poked it wide. Maybe he felt the force of the challenge coming from behind and hence hesitated but in his prime he would have scored that with his eyes closed.

All that Wenger needs next season is a centre back and an excellent sports psychologist.

yea i kno how maddy feels i still cry wen i see the pics of his leg STILL and i get SO happy wen he plays and yea maby i do get wet but like i LOVE eduardo da silva he is 1 of the best soccer players to me anyhow i love him with ALL my heart and that will NEVER change

I am Croatian and I follow Eduardo from 1999 when he come to my Dinamo
he is something special as a human and player,born in poor neighbourhod in brazil and that is why he never played for brazil
After ingury he lost his speed and strenght but he is fighter and he will bounce back as he allways does
So Arsenal people dont write him of (he is your best striker for sure) you might be sorry if you sell him
BY THE WAY HIS NICKNAME IS NOT EDDY IT IS DUDU

Ive read comments on dudu b4 he came people continually stated he was the most clinical finisher in the game. The goal against the blades was my fav. The power and accuracy is something we havent seen at Arsenal since Henry. Bang from outside the fucking box I lost it… That was when he exploded I really hope he can come good and for fuck sake AFC players dont rush in to challenges play smarter cos they are all smarter than that. Best of luck dudu for 2010-11.